Hestercombe Gardens
Latest Reviews
We visited the house and gardens, with dad in a wheelchair. The staff were helpful from the outset, and we were able to borrow a wheelchair from the ticket desk. The map you get advises what paths are wheelchair accessible but you still need to be quite fit to push on some of the slopes. They will have a motorised ride on chair soon according to a sign at the ticket office. One of the catering staff passing us at a sloping area stopped and gave a helpful push. Food in the restaurant was very good and again staff helpful when we wanted to access the disabled toilet. Flower beds pretty even though early in the season and clematis and choisia in full bloom. With 2 for 1 entry using Gardeners World card and free entry for wheelchair user a very good value day!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
If you enjoy gardens this is the place for you, but beware......from the entrance fees to the restaurant it can make for an expensive visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
this place is great for peace and quiet walking round the gardens so quiet and relaxing, lovely shop also you can buy plants there from home grown at the centre, the coffee shop does lovely homemade food never been disappointed when i visit there
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Love to go at least 2 times a month as it changes every visit and being interested in photography it fill some of my requirements.
The walks are sometimes steep but a slow climb conquers all.
As a member i don`t really know what it cost`s now.
There is a cafe and a little shop, the cafe can be visited without going in the gardens, the prices in the cafe i think are a little steep and in the morning you can only have cake, but after a walk i would quite like a sandwich, so wait until i get home now. You can take dogs but they must be kept on a lead which is a shame, as long as people take the time to pick up everything stays clean. We did once have to clear up after adults so that says it all.
The walks are sometimes steep but a slow climb conquers all.
As a member i don`t really know what it cost`s now.
There is a cafe and a little shop, the cafe can be visited without going in the gardens, the prices in the cafe i think are a little steep and in the morning you can only have cake, but after a walk i would quite like a sandwich, so wait until i get home now. You can take dogs but they must be kept on a lead which is a shame, as long as people take the time to pick up everything stays clean. We did once have to clear up after adults so that says it all.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
If you like peace and beautiful surroundings this is the ideal place to go. Took the family and the boys (3 and 6 years) loved it to.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Gardens themselves are varied. Formal flower displays, beautiful layout the gazebo type area. Further into the gardens are woodland walks withna lovely waterfall, walks, trees etc with many on sizeable pathways. Some irregular paths where pushchairs and wheelchairs not practical but still lots to see.
Warning re facilities. Staff don't inform of 'differences to the norm'. E.g. went on Monday this week. Three cafe facilities marked on map. Found one to be closed as a school party was around. Second cafe closed as not open on Monday's. Entrance staff didn't tell us, and other staff not 'sorry' for any inconvenience, nor helpful. Staff in the only cafe open were not very customer focused. Crockery was dirty and tea for two equates to only one and a half cups each, so not generous and almost £2 per person. No savoury offerings just cake, and more cake. Not even a sandwich out of the noon to 3pm window. National Trust catering is much better.
Would go again as gardens are worth it, but will take a flask of hot tea/coffee and a sandwich and not rely at all on the catering side.
Warning re facilities. Staff don't inform of 'differences to the norm'. E.g. went on Monday this week. Three cafe facilities marked on map. Found one to be closed as a school party was around. Second cafe closed as not open on Monday's. Entrance staff didn't tell us, and other staff not 'sorry' for any inconvenience, nor helpful. Staff in the only cafe open were not very customer focused. Crockery was dirty and tea for two equates to only one and a half cups each, so not generous and almost £2 per person. No savoury offerings just cake, and more cake. Not even a sandwich out of the noon to 3pm window. National Trust catering is much better.
Would go again as gardens are worth it, but will take a flask of hot tea/coffee and a sandwich and not rely at all on the catering side.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had a lovely walk around these landscaped gardens (good tracks, a bit steep in one part at the back of the gardens). Saw the lakes and the waterfall. Everything looked great, thought there was evidence of on-going restoration.
Then we went into the formal gardens in front of the house. These are gorgeous, especially in the sun.
There is a cafe on site for when you need a rest!
Then we went into the formal gardens in front of the house. These are gorgeous, especially in the sun.
There is a cafe on site for when you need a rest!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Really enjoyed exploring the gardens here on a lovely sunny spring day. Views over the surrounding countryside are wonderful. Sensible walking shoes a "must" for the pathways, some of which are steep.
Food at the cafe delicious, if slightly dear. On the day I visited, the cafe didn't seem to cope too well with a rush when a small coach party arrived, running out of coffee beans and table service really slow.
Food at the cafe delicious, if slightly dear. On the day I visited, the cafe didn't seem to cope too well with a rush when a small coach party arrived, running out of coffee beans and table service really slow.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Took my elderly 'in-laws' who said they enjoyed it, but I found it rather disappointing. Firstly I thought it was rather expensive to get in and no discount for OAP's. the woodland walks and lakes were good. But when we got to the formal gardens we decided to stop for coffee. We enquired in the house but was told it would probably be too formal for us and were directed to the stable cafeteria. Good coffee etc. was served here by very pleasant staff. But on leaving found we could not get back directly to where we had left our tour but instead had to climb stairs back up to reception and round the block back to more stairs leading down to the house which was not very good for my disabled mother-in-law.
The house itself had various art exhibitions in different rooms some of which were just not for me. I thought after the Fire Brigade had left the house would have been put back to its former glory, depicting its history rather than just a sheet of paper as you went in. The gardens were well laid our but due to the time of year somewhat lacking in colour and some of the water features could have had cleaner water in them and maybe some fish?
The house itself had various art exhibitions in different rooms some of which were just not for me. I thought after the Fire Brigade had left the house would have been put back to its former glory, depicting its history rather than just a sheet of paper as you went in. The gardens were well laid our but due to the time of year somewhat lacking in colour and some of the water features could have had cleaner water in them and maybe some fish?
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Brilliant day out for the family .Plenty of space for the children .The flower beds were so colourful just coming into their own shame the daffs had finished but the tulips were coming out in wonderful colours and such different types not always seen
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My first time at Hestercombe, but hopefully not my last. This is not a huge garden, but has many lovely features. I particularly liked all the water: a huge variety of rills, ponds, waterfalls and other water courses. I should imagine the garden would be lovely in summer, but very pretty in early spring. A delicious lunch too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The story of the rediscovery and restoration of these magnificent gardens is heart warming and the result has created one of my favourite places to visit anywhere anytime.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Interesting garden buildings and plenty space to run round. Pretty spring bulbs and views. House not worth looking round
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited on a glorious sunny day so perhaps 'rose tinted glasses' but sure even on a dull day there would be colour in the gardens. Nothing much at all to see in the house but the displays change so perhaps we were just unlucky with the art exhibition.Cafe is a bit pricey for what is available.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have a membership here and we love it. The kids love walking around, even our daughter who uses a kaye walker can make it around most parts of the main walk. They always have trails for kids to do. We enjoyed their Easter trails last year and their Fun Fridays during the school holidays. Thoroughly recommend!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This has the finest Lutyens/Jekyll garden that's open to the public, and yet the emphasis is all on the older landscape gardens - the map even shows the visitor route bypassing the Lutyens part altogether, and the original gate from old to new is no longer used. Why they feel the need to "enhance" a fine set of Lutyens steps with cheap half-barrel planters is beyond me, and the children's trail ended with an unsightly piece of paper hanging from the centrepiece of the garden. Entrance charge a little on the high side. Shop sells usual smelly tat - no scholarly books on garden design.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Not sure I really want to share this great place, don't want it to become Too popular! It has two different great gardens both with interesting history - 18thC wilderness walk in a beautiful combe with an array of garden buildings to rest in, plus, probably the best example of a Gertrude Jekyll & Edwin Lutyens garden - impeccably maintained. Plus - working steam engines, art exhibitions, an excellent 2nd hand bookshop and good food. You really can spend a whole day here - and come back again each season. Go - just not when I'm there!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It would take us about 90 minutes to get to the gardens so we had to plan with the weather forecast. It didn't disappoint, a clear winter's day, it lit up the landscapes of the gardens. The snowdrops in drifts, bright yellow aconites, primroses and pulmonaria just some of the plants
below the tall well lit trees that take your glance up to the sky. Six buzzards were flying low, swirling into the sky and calling. We also spotted treecreeper, chaffinch, blackbird, robin, coal tit and heard song thrush singing. The lakes gave way to great reflections of the trees all interspersed with cascading waterfalls shining in the sun. In front of the house are the formal gardens in complete contrast to the relaxed landscapes of the rest of the gardens. The walks around the gardens were muddy in places so it's advisable to wear walking boots.
After the invigorating walk what could be better than a good meal, and you don't have to go far to find it here.Housed in the old stable block our meals were very tasty and not too expensive.
The house was next visited, we were given some literature upon arrival to read later I guess. It's best, if you can to talk to a guide, we spoke with a lady who told us some things about the house we would not normally have found out.
There are picnic tables near the entrance to the gardens should you want to take your own food. Also in the grounds there is a shop and a small area where plants can be purchased.
But don't forget while your walking around to view the wonderful landscapes beyond the gardens boundaries.
below the tall well lit trees that take your glance up to the sky. Six buzzards were flying low, swirling into the sky and calling. We also spotted treecreeper, chaffinch, blackbird, robin, coal tit and heard song thrush singing. The lakes gave way to great reflections of the trees all interspersed with cascading waterfalls shining in the sun. In front of the house are the formal gardens in complete contrast to the relaxed landscapes of the rest of the gardens. The walks around the gardens were muddy in places so it's advisable to wear walking boots.
After the invigorating walk what could be better than a good meal, and you don't have to go far to find it here.Housed in the old stable block our meals were very tasty and not too expensive.
The house was next visited, we were given some literature upon arrival to read later I guess. It's best, if you can to talk to a guide, we spoke with a lady who told us some things about the house we would not normally have found out.
There are picnic tables near the entrance to the gardens should you want to take your own food. Also in the grounds there is a shop and a small area where plants can be purchased.
But don't forget while your walking around to view the wonderful landscapes beyond the gardens boundaries.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Spent an enjoyable February Sunday morning wandering around. If Hestercombe is this nice on a grey winter day, it must be amazing in summer. We loved it and would definitely come back again; lots of nice little details ranging from the formality of Gertrude Jekyll's designs to the impressive landscapes of the valley and lakes. Most enjoyable!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Gardens are stunning but found the whole day very tricky with a double buggy in tow. Access is very bad & signposting of suitable routes non-existent. Shame as it's probably put us off going again!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Hestercombe Gardens are what it says on the tin - gardens - and as such are very good, but it leavers you thinking there is so much more to this place that you are being denied. I mean, no access to what might be interesting.
The restaurant area is dire, a nice courtyard but with steel girders everywhere holding up a roof which wasn't allowed to touch the building. Badly contrived.
The gardens are nice, but there's so much more there - you can see their hydro electric systems but absolutely no information, like what do they produce. Much more in the same vain. I enjoyed the visit, but left more frustrated than when I arrived.
The restaurant area is dire, a nice courtyard but with steel girders everywhere holding up a roof which wasn't allowed to touch the building. Badly contrived.
The gardens are nice, but there's so much more there - you can see their hydro electric systems but absolutely no information, like what do they produce. Much more in the same vain. I enjoyed the visit, but left more frustrated than when I arrived.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have been here a few times. It is nice to spend an hour or two wandering around the lakes and woodland with numerous paths to choose from with benches and an eclectic variety of little grottos/summerhouses to sit in and enjoy the views. Nice colours in the autumn.
The formal gardens are beautiful, and relaxing.
There is a very nice tea room in the old stables I think. Comfy sofas and good food.
They put on lots of events which are very popular so check out the website. We went to the Christmas fair with lots of local sellers. We keep on meaning to go to their winter light show which looks great, not sure if they did it this year though.
Well worth a visit.
The formal gardens are beautiful, and relaxing.
There is a very nice tea room in the old stables I think. Comfy sofas and good food.
They put on lots of events which are very popular so check out the website. We went to the Christmas fair with lots of local sellers. We keep on meaning to go to their winter light show which looks great, not sure if they did it this year though.
Well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely place for a stroll, there are different levels of walk so that there is something for everyone.
Our grandchildren love feeding the ducks and playing in the stream
Our grandchildren love feeding the ducks and playing in the stream
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I would defenetly recomend this place if you appreciate nature at its best. The gardens are well laid out and the children enjoyed their time exploring them.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had our wedding at Hestercombe in august 2014. We chose it because it is obviously a beautiful venue, but also having spoken to a number of other venues, we found Julie and all those at Hestercombe totally committed to giving us the day we wanted rather than forcing us into various packages. They accommodated our requests and whims with such patience and friendly professionalism that it was actually a pleasure to plan the big day. On the day itself, everything was so smooth, and we felt relaxed and totally at ease, confident that Richard would ensure everyone had a good time - and everybody did!
Our friends could not stop talking about how delicious the food was, how well organised yet perfectly calm the day was - and how stunning the house and gardens were. All of this is an enormous testament to the incredibly hard work of Julie, Richard and all of the wonderful staff who made the day perfect. It was exactly how we always pictured it, and for that, we must extend a huge thanks to all those at Hestercombe.
Whether you want a grand formal affair or a relaxed fun day, Hestercombe can make it happen, and we cannot recommend it highly enough.
Kai and Kirsty
Married 29 August 2014
Our friends could not stop talking about how delicious the food was, how well organised yet perfectly calm the day was - and how stunning the house and gardens were. All of this is an enormous testament to the incredibly hard work of Julie, Richard and all of the wonderful staff who made the day perfect. It was exactly how we always pictured it, and for that, we must extend a huge thanks to all those at Hestercombe.
Whether you want a grand formal affair or a relaxed fun day, Hestercombe can make it happen, and we cannot recommend it highly enough.
Kai and Kirsty
Married 29 August 2014
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
